Character
How leaders demonstrate integrity.
Awards recognize organizations across employee-size and nonprofit categories, including an Emerging Business Category for businesses operating for less than three years.
Culture
How values shape your workplace.
Customers
How you build trusted customer relationships.
Community
How you contribute to your community.
Is this for you?
Eligibility for the award
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes. Accreditation is not required, and there is no cost to apply. Eligible organizations meet these criteria:
For-profit and 501(c)(6) applicants must have at least a “B” rating with BBB
Organizations must have been in business for three years at the application deadline.
All financial obligations must be met.
Has not received a Torch Award in the past three years (as of the application deadline)
How the process works
1
Apply or nominate online
Complete the online application before the deadline of February 1, 2027 at 12:00 p.m. CST. You can save your progress and return later.
2
Independent judging
A volunteer panel scores each submission on character, culture, customers, and community against a published benchmark.
3
Recipients notified
BBB contacts selected recipients before publicly announcing them across its website, social media, and local press release.
4
BBB Ethics Awards Luncheon
Winners are announced and honored at an in-person awards on May 13th, 2027, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.
2027 program timeline
Key dates and deadlines
Applications Open
November 1, 2026
Online applications begin.
Applications Close
February 1, 2027 at 12:00pm
Application deadline.
Awards Celebration
May 13, 2027
In-person event announcing the winning organizations.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honor businesses and non-profits that demonstrate high ethical standards and build marketplace trust. Built on the 4 C's: Character, Culture, Customers, and Community.
BBB Serving Wisconsin has awarded Torch Awards to over 100 businesses and 20 non-profits in Wisconsin for their ethical practices in the marketplace.
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes.
BBB Accreditation is not required;
For-profit and 501(c)(6) applicants must have a “B” rating with BBB;
For-profit organizations must qualify for BBB Accreditation;
501(c)(3) non-profit applicants must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation process and meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability;
Organizations must have been in business for three years;
All financial obligations must be met;
Applicants are not eligible if they have received the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in the past three years;
Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application.
No. Awards are not contingent on accreditation, donations, or any purchase or sponsorship. No purchase is necessary to enter or to win.
Yes. BBB Accreditation is not required to apply. All eligible businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to participate.
Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your submission, including examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organization’s focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events.
Winners will be notified in March and celebrated at the BBB Ethics Awards Luncheon held in May.
Winners receive a trophy, a recipient media kit, a press-release template, a social media feature, and use of the official Torch Awards Winner logo, subject to BBB's advertising guidelines.
celebrate with us
BBB Ethics Awards Luncheon
Join us to honor this year’s Torch Awards for Ethics recipients and celebrate ethical leadership across Wisconsin.
Thursday, May 13, 2027
Italian Community Center · Milwaukee
Be part of the celebration
Registration and event details will be available here when announced.
A history of ethical leadership
Explore the businesses and organizations recognized in previous years.
Questions? I’m happy to help.
Jessie Ueberfluss · Community Outreach & Events Coordinator
Applications open November 1.